21 /
12 - 25 / 12 /00

21.12.00 Oaxaca, Oaxaca - A must in Oaxaca is a
visit to Monte Albán, one of the major ruin sites in Mexico which
was inhabited from approx. 500 BC to 1521 AD first by the Zapotecas and
then by the Mixtecas. So this was our task for today. This site is really
a big one and the view from up there is breathtaking. At the top of a
mountain the site covers an area of 39 km², and it was the home of
40.000 people. We spent the best part of the day wandering around this
area, which is perfectly aligned in north-south direction. Later we had a
nice evening with our neighbors from the american RV group.

One of the ruins in Monte Albán, which are
actually only the base of a variety of temples and homes. On the right one
of the many drawings found on different places / Eine der Ruinen in
Monte Albán, welche nur die übriggebliebenen Fundamente
darstellen. Rechts ein Beispiel der an vielen Stellen antreffenden
Zeichnungen in den Steinen.

22.12.00 Oaxaca, Oaxaca - One of the relaxing
days. We took care of uploading our web page, which is always quite
difficult in Mexico, laundry and tried to get rid of the limestone in our
shower. In the evening a short bus ride to the city to see the groups and
concerts at the main square.

23.12.00 Oaxaca, Oaxaca - An exciting trip
through town to get some spare parts for our shower. At least you see some
areas and shops you wouldn't see otherwise. In the evening we went,
together with Terri and Mike Church, into the city for the big night of
the radishes. Artists exhibit creations carved from radishes, dried
flowers and cornhusks. After we waited in line for around 1 hour, we
walked up close to all the different creations made from this basic
material. Today was Terri's birthday which we celebrated at the Restaurant
"Asador Vasco", Portal de Flores on the Zócalo.

24.12.00 Oaxaca, Oaxaca - After some lazy
morning and laundry at a Mexican self-service laundromat, with machines
which look like a 100 years old, we went into town to visit the Santo
Domingo Cultural Center. This museum focus on the history of this area,
including the treasures found at the gravesites in Monte Albán.
Next to this place is the Santo Domingo Church, with lots of ornate work
inlaid with gold leaf and bright colors. However, the main event of today
was at the main plaza starting at 8 pm. For 3 hours, this plaza was packed
with different processions including fireworks and lots of music.
Actually, we could here firecrackers through the whole night. This was
really a very fun Christmas in company of Carla, Johna, Wendy, and Tim.

25.12.00 Oaxaca, Oaxaca - We really didn't do a
lot, but suddenly it was 2:30 pm. The American Adventure Caravans group
was very nice and invited us to their Christmas dinner. So we had together
turkey with stuffing and a lot of other delicious things. Even more fun
was the gift exchange (pot luck), with everybody surprised at the various
gifts. Somehow the days really go fast in Oaxaca.